Better Us Initiative
Black History Month 2022
February is Black History Month, a time at the Y where we honor and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Black people who have guided our country’s growth and progress.
We invite you to get involved by using the below list of activities! For questions, please contact Jesiah Brock at jbrock@myy.org. See you soon!
Increase your involvement, education, and advocacy this month!
To get started, you can choose from the following list of activities:
Read the following articles:
- “Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Race”
- “Who Gets to be Afraid in America?”
- “Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism”
Watch recommended videos:
- “The Danger of a Single Story”
Subscribe to a Podcast:
- Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast
- Seeing White
Better Us Initiative
The Y welcomes everyone to grow in a healthy spirit, mind and body; achieving goals, deepening relationships and finding a true sense of belonging. We welcome all ages, abilities, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, races, religions and beliefs, and socioeconomic statuses. A Better Us means everyone has an equitable seat at the table.
The A Better Us Initiative is the overarching umbrella for the following programs and services:
- Black & Latino Achievers Program: A national college and career readiness program supporting students of color in setting and reaching higher education and career goals.
- Membership For All: A scholarship program providing access to Y programs and services for individuals and families. Currently 44% of scholarships awards are for BIPOC families and individuals.
- 21-Day Equity Challenge: A program for the community that challenges us to examine how we perpetuate racism in our everyday lives and can become anti-racist by unlearning our toxic mindset through education, communication, and action.
- Undivided: A free, 6-week virtual journey focused on healing our racial divide. The program helps participants build relationships that further racial solidarity and promote justice.
- Community Action Collaborative: A program bringing together volunteers and community leaders together for conversations and projects with a goal of strengthening the community through diversity and inclusion.
- Diversity, Inclusion, & Global Engagement (DIG): Understanding the many factors that make up and influence a person’s individuality helps us engage, connect, and serve all members of our communities. DIG helps our staff expand their knowledge and understanding to better serve our members and guests.
Equity Challenge Partners
